• You do not have to reside in the county in which an enrollment is taking place. Danielle N. Heller, who's been with the American Cancer Society for 13 years, says it's not unusual for people to drive an hour or two to an enrollment site.

• Show up at your scheduled time, and complete the enrollment process.

• Complete and return the follow-up surveys that will be mailed to you every two or three years.

That's it.

Heller says that although scheduling an appointment helps streamline the process, walk-ins are also welcome.

"We've all been affected, and if you've lost someone to cancer, here's a chance to have a huge impact, to continue the vibe of hope," she says.

For more information, visit cps3hudsonvalley.org or call 800-227-2345.

Deborah J. Botti

» Social News

Chet Krinsky received an interoffice email that struck a deep chord, shortly after he returned to his job at Orange Regional Medical Center, following his 89-year-old father's death.

"I don't believe there are coincidences in life," says the Slate Hill resident. "My father had a 19-year battle with cancer. ... The last four years, he lived with me. I had a close-up view of watching it beat somebody up over time. Even when you're winning, it's tough."

The contents of that email offered a way for Krinsky to make a crucial difference in the fight against cancer. "As a caregiver, there's a lot that you do — but a lot that you can't," he says. "This is something I can do."

And "this" is participating in the Cancer Prevention Study-3.

According to the American Cancer Society's website, one in three women and one in two men are at risk for developing some type of cancer during their lifetimes.

"We're looking to enroll 300,000 people from all different backgrounds. We can't study a group that's not involved," says Heller. "The study will look at where we live, what we do, what we eat, what vitamins we take, what medications we're on, as well as environmental, genetic and behavioral (lifestyle) impacts."

Krinsky, who has three children of his own, encouraged 16 other friends and co-workers to get involved.

"Once you understand how easy it is to participate, it's a no-brainer," he says.

"And we do need more men," says Heller.

"Men tend to be prideful," says Krinsky. "And being pro-active for some males can be a challenge."

Francine Jaroszewski enrolled herself — and her husband, Don.

"He grew up in Niagara Falls and played on the Love Canal," says the ACS volunteer and Middletown resident who learned of this study while involved with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Although no one in her immediate family has been diagnosed with cancer, her interest was piqued for two reasons.

"We have two daughters. I want to know what makes some people more susceptible than others. Is it lifestyle, genetics, food, medications "»"

And then, there's that nagging question surrounding Don.

"He exercises regularly, eats a healthy diet and has never smoked," she says. "Are good preventative habits enough — or will he get cancer in his 60s or 70s (because of potential exposure to toxic chemicals as a child)?"

Cancer Prevention Study-1 took place in the '50s. Heller points to an employee from that time who recalled discussions about cancer while seated around a conference table dotted with ashtrays.

"Before this study, no one knew smoking was dangerous," she says.

But because of the 188,000 enrolled participants, 22,000 ACS volunteers and three years of collecting and studying data, the link between smoking and cancer was discovered, which subsequently influenced 21 surgeon generals' reports.

Cancer Prevention Study-2 took place in the '80s, Heller says. From that, it was gleaned that aspirin decreased the risk of colon cancer, while obesity was linked to an overall increased risk of cancer.

"Now we're looking for the next wave of cancer answers," Heller says.

-- Must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and are between the ages of 30 and 65.

-- Need to be willing to make a 20- to 30-year commitment.

-- Must enroll in person. The actual enrollment takes 25 minutes and includes a brief survey and consent form, waist measurement and blood test that only requires the standard seven teaspoons or so of blood taken at a routine doctor's visit.

-- Need to complete and return follow-up surveys that will be mailed to their homes every two to three years.

"I enrolled myself," says Heller. "I have two little girls. If there's anything I can do to prevent them from hearing the words, 'You have cancer,' then you bet I'm on board."